Jerusalem Delivered (1590)

Lower Library Bb.1.22

Torquato Tasso's epic poem Jerusalem Delivered was inspired by the Crusaders' siege of the city in 1099. Our copy of the 1590 edition is unusual and striking for its blue paper, hand-coloured illustrations, and elaborate blue binding with silver wire: it is hard to identify others like this, although the Vatican Library also records copies on blue paper. Perhaps these books came from a special run for the luxury market.

The Prince (1580, 1643) << Jerusalem Delivered (1590) >> Royal Bibles (1602, 1662)